Voice of Abbotsford Business is Heard in Victoria
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www.abbynews.com Abbotsford News Friday, May 18, 2018 A33
Voice of Abbotsford Business
is Heard in Victoria
Advocacy is one of the important roles of your local Local Chambers identify issues through their members, In both times of change and stability, we have seen
Chamber of Commerce and the Abbotsford Chamber is conduct research and analysis, then work with affected Chambers and Boards of Trade step up to give voice to the
one of the most active in the Province. To increase our businesses and others to develop and bring forward spe- needs of BC’s business community. The BC Chamber and
effectiveness we utilize the strength of the Chamber net- cific recommendations to government. The intent is to its members will continue this pattern by demonstrating
work by being part of the BC Chamber of Commerce. build a strong vibrant economy, increase opportunity for their unwavering commitment to advocate strongly on
The BC Chamber was established in 1951 by BC’s local local business, decrease red-tape and work to improve the behalf of BC businesses in a respectful, productive man-
Chambers and Boards of Trade, with a mandate to drive quality of life for all residents of BC. ner.
business advocacy on behalf of its BC-wide network. Busi- These recommendations are presented at the policy “The BC Chamber knows what’s on BC’s mind, and our
ness advocacy remains its core focus to this day. review sessions where they are debated and discussed, purpose is to ensure that the views of B.C.’s business com-
The BC Chamber consistently engages with deci- amended if needed, and then voted on by the entire munity are heard and accounted for each and every time
sion-makers across all BC ministries and federal depart- membership in attendance. Those resolutions that pass the provincial government makes decisions on policies
ments to communicate our members’ views on policies become part of the official policy position of the BC Cham- that impact our province,” said Mark Warkentin, President
and breaking issues. In support of our advocacy, BC ber and are actively presented to government as part of of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber staff facilitate a unique, grassroots policy-build- the Chamber’s advocacy efforts. Warkentin continued, “We have a reputation of
ing process that draws on the innovative ideas and on- This year the Abbotsford Chamber will be involved in standing up and advocating on behalf of our prov-
the-ground experience of our member Chambers, Boards bringing forward 5 policy resolutions out of a total of 52 ince-wide membership. Our mandate to show
of Trade and businesses in every region of the province. policies submitted. Areas of concern and issues include: grit on issues impacting BC’s business communi-
More than 60 Chambers from around the province will - Using Property Tax Reform to Support Agriculture ty will not change, regardless of the party in power.”
be represented at the BC Chamber’s Provincial AGM and Production The BC Chamber is the largest and most broadly-based
Conference to be held next week in Kamloops. The Ab- - Minimizing Undue Negative Impacts of the Employer business organization in the province. Representing more
botsford Chamber is a long-standing member of the BC Health Tax than 125 Chambers of Commerce and 36,000 businesses
Chamber and has been an active participant in its policy - Protecting Funding for Tourism Marketing Programs in every nook and cranny of the province
development and advocacy efforts. Attending this year’s and Projects The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce represents
AGM and Conference will be Chamber President Mark - Providing Salary and Wage Consistency for Fire and 700+ members and is THE voice for business in Abbots-
Warkentin, Chamber Vice-President Sara Lawson, Board Police Collective Agreements In ford. Our mission is to build and sustain a thriving busi-
members Melinda Friesen, Kal Sidhu and Craig Toews as BC’s Labour Market ness community through our strategic objectives to Ad-
well as Executive Director Allan Asaph. - Collection of Duty and Taxes at the Canada-U.S. Border. vocate, Benefit and Connect.
A34 Friday, May 18, 2018 Abbotsford News www.abbynews.com
2018
Expect the Best - Prepare for
the Worst
This week our hearts and minds If you are a small business owner,
are on the safety of the residents and you have likely invested significant
business owners in those communities resources in your operation. Depending
affected by flooding in the Okanagan- on its size, you may have employees
Similkameen and Kootenay-Boundary that rely on it for income and stability.
areas of the province. Local Chambers Just as we should all have a personal
are assisting their communities to deal emergency in plan for ourselves and Mark Warkentin, President
with the many problems and issues our families, businesses should also
that come with these events. Here in ensure that they have a well crafted protect assets vital to your successful
the Fraser Valley our local officials are plan in place. recovery and return to full operation.
keeping a vigilant watch on local water PREPARED BC (www.gov.bc.ca/
levels and things appear to be under The website offers a library of
PreparedBC) is a one-stop shop for information for personal and business
control. disaster readiness information. This planning on a variety of topics such
At times like this it is a good reminder initiative by the BC Government has
as household preparedness, resources
that, when disaster strikes, having a everything you need to start getting
for people with disabilities, pet
properly prepared emergency plan can prepared today. Information on the
preparedness and instructions on how
help to minimize the stress, disruption, website will help prepare your family,
to build a proper emergency kit to keep
chaos and financial loss. Depending on home or business to develop a plan
on-hand.
the emergency, you and your family could to help you cope with the stress of
be on your own for several days while first emergencies. There are detailed As we are seeing daily reminders of
responders manage the aftermath. Such planning guides that will help you just how disruptive and tragic these
emergencies affect not just individuals mitigate potential threats, ensure that types of emergencies can be, now is a
- businesses can be affected in many your plan is thorough and complete, great time to go to the PREPAREDBC
detrimental ways as well. help prepare your employees, and website and start your emergency plan.
Tim Holloway Kevin Mierau
Jason Lepp
NEW BUSINESSES:
Steve Yap
The Abbotsford Chamber would like to welcome the
CHAMBER following businesses:
2018
TEAM MEMBERS Becoming a member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce provides substantial benefits to generate more business and
reach the heart of your community.
#207-32900 South Fraser Way t
tSell Off Vacations Abbotsford - 604-864-6449
tMickey Chahal, Individual Member – 604-746-5008
Allan Asaph La Vonne Bandsma
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OFFICE MANAGER
allan@ lavonne@
abbotsfordchamber.com abbotsfordchamber.com
M AY B U S I N E S S A F T E R B U S I N E S S - JUNE BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS G O O D M O R N I N G A B B OT S F O R D -
N I G H T AT T H E T H E AT R E CO N N E C T I N G F I N A N C I A L & L E G A L
DATE: Thursday, June 14 P L A N N I N G W I T H H E A LT H C A R E
DATE: Thursday, May 24, 6:00-10:00 pm LOCATION: At Envision Financial 32711,
http://www.abbotsfordchamber.com/events/ South Fraser Way DATE: Monday, June 18, 7:30-9:00 am
details/2018-may-business-after-business- please RSVP 604-859-9651 ext 304. http://www.abbotsfordchamber.com/
Matt Langdon Katie Syroid night-at-the-theatre-4253 events/details/2018-june-good-morning-
http://www.abbotsfordchamber.com/
BUS. DEV. MANAGER EVENT MANAGER abbotsford-4293
matt @ katie@ events/details/2018-june-business-after-
abbotsfordchamber.com abbotsfordchamber.com business-4254
Abbotsford News Friday, May 18, 2018 A35
Whale Watching
in The Valley Isle
Introducing a New
Benefit for Business
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is always
on the lookout for new innovative technologies to
call Matt Langdon, Business Development
Manager at the Chamber office - 604-859-
Win a Trip for Two to Maui, Hawaii
enhance our members’ experience. Therefore we are 9651 with Air & Room
proud to be one of the first Chambers in British Colum- Alaska Airlines, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, and the PacWhale Eco-Adventures
bia to offer BizBiz Share. will treat one lucky couple to a dream Hawaiian vacation.
BizBiz Share is the first business resource sharing ap- Need to hire the This trip will whisk you away to Maui, “The Valley Isle,” known for its stunning
natural beauty and whale sightings. This prize package includes:
plication designed for companies. perfect EMPLOYEE?
Through BizBiz, companies can now have access to Alaska Airlines The Westin Maui PacWhale
the resources (warehousing, machinery, equipment , Permanent or Temporary Workers Round-trip air travel for two Resort & Spa Eco-Adventures
office space, staff etc.) of other local businesses around Office Administration
to Maui, Hawaii Five (5) Nights Ocean View Sunset Dinner Cruise
them. Accommodations for two adults
Sales & Marketing
Plant & Industrial
Best of all - this benefit is FREE to Abbotsford Cham- Management
ber of Commerce Members. Accounting
Labourers
For more information go to www.joinbizbiz.com or Reception
Your complete source for island travel.
RULES:For complete contest details visit Hawaii.com. No purchase necessary. Must be 21+ years old to enter. Entries accepted at Hawaii.com until May 31, 2018 at 11:59
PM HST. Multiple participants are not permitted to share the same email address. Any use of robotic, repetitive, automatic, programmed or similar entry methods or agents will void all
entries by you. Employees (and their immediate families) of Oahu Publications, Inc. (Hawaii.com) and all participating sponsors are not eligible. Winner will be responsible for all taxes
applicable to the total value of the prize(s) received. Prize(s) are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash and must not be used for re–sale. Prize(s) are for travel, accommodations
and tickets during specified dates only. Prize(s) expire approximately one yeaar from the entry deadline. Winner will refer to the prize vouchers for complete details, terms and restric-
A Division of Valley Personnel tions. If the winner has any issue with the prize or is not able to redeem the prize(s) as specified they must forfeit the prize and another winner will be drawn. Changes or extensions
will not be made by Hawaii.com. Winner authorizes OPI to use their name and likeness for promotion at no additional compensation. Winner will be contacted. No phone calls please.
valleypersonnel.com • 604.859.6511
info@valleypersonnel.com
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